Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Build-Your-Own Limit Switches
Combine an actuator and a switch to assemble the exact limit switch you need. These switches have the rapid-closing action of a snap-acting switch, but have a larger actuator for large objects. When an object in motion comes into contact with the actuator, it sends a signal to open or close a circuit. They’re often used for conveyor systems and elevators. Each actuator style is compatible with all housing styles and vice versa.
Switches with a polypropylene plastic housing are lighter in weight than metal switches. Switches with a zinc housing are more durable than those with a plastic housing.
Switches with a 4-pole micro M12 plug quickly connect and disconnect from your setup. Use cables (sold separately) to wire your switch connection to your setup.
Switches with 2 conduit connections allow you to wire switches side by side, so you can save space and simplify your wiring.
IP65 switches protect against dust and splashing water. IP66 switches protect against dust and washdowns. IP67 switches protect against dust and temporary submersion.
Screw
Terminals
4-Pole
Micro M12 Plug
Switches | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | Conduit | Cables | |||||||||||||||
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | No. of Connections | Thread Size  | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Each | Each | ||
Polypropylene Plastic Housing | |||||||||||||||||
Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 6 A @ 240 V AC, 3 A @ 24 V DC | 400V AC 400V DC | 4 | 1.2" | 2.7" | 1.3" | 1 | M20 | IP65 | EN 50047 UL Listed C-UL Listed CE Marked CCC Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 6 A @ 240 V AC, 3 A @ 24 V DC | 400V AC 400V DC | 4 | 1.6" | 3.1" | 1.5" | 1 | M20 | IP66, IP67 | EN 50041 UL Listed C-UL Listed CE Marked CCC Marked | 0000000 | 00000 | 000000 | 00 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 6 A @ 240 V AC, 3 A @ 24 V DC | 400V AC 400V DC | 4 | 2" | 2.1" | 1.3" | 2 | M20 | IP66, IP67 | EN 50047 UL Listed C-UL Listed CE Marked CCC Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
4-Pole Micro M12 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 4 A @ 240 V AC, 3 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | __ | 1.2" | 2.7" | 1.3" | __ | __ | IP65 | EN 50047 UL Listed C-UL Listed CE Marked CCC Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 4 A @ 240 V AC, 3 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | __ | 1.6" | 3.1" | 1.5" | __ | __ | IP67 | EN 50041 UL Listed C-UL Listed CE Marked CCC Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Zinc Housing | |||||||||||||||||
Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 6 A @ 240 V AC, 3 A @ 24 V DC | 400V AC 400V DC | 4 | 1.2" | 2.7" | 1.3" | 1 | M20 | IP66, IP67 | EN 50047 UL Listed C-UL Listed CE Marked CCC Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 6 A @ 240 V AC, 3 A @ 24 V DC | 400V AC 400V DC | 4 | 1.6" | 3.1" | 1.4" | 1 | M20 | IP66, IP67 | EN 50041 UL Listed C-UL Listed CE Marked CCC Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
Heavy Duty Limit Switches
Rugged enough for mining operations, these limit switches require a high actuation force, like heavy rocks moving on a conveyor. They open and close a circuit as quickly as a snap-acting switch but have a larger actuator for larger objects. The roller on the end of the lever arm reduces friction to prevent wear and tear on the switch. Rated NEMA 4 and 13 as well as IP67, these switches are protected from dirt, oil spraying, and temporary submersion.
To determine if you need a right or left actuation direction, stand facing where you'll put the switch. If objects will be passing to the right, you'll need a right actuation direction. If they'll be passing to the left, you'll need a left actuation direction.
Housing | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation Direction | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Actuation Force | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | For Max. Cable OD | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Each | |
Aluminum Housing with Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| Right | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 20 A @ 120 V AC, 5 A @ 120 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | 150 in.-oz. | -10° to 185° | 5.7" | 1/2" | 2.3" | 5" | 2" | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Manual-Reset Safety Limit Switches
Prevent equipment from automatically restarting—these switches must be manually reset each time they're actuated. Pull the knob to reset. Positive-force contacts open the circuit when actuated, even if a spring fails or the contacts stick. These switches send a signal to your circuit when an object hits the actuator—for instance, a box on a conveyor runs into the switch, stopping the conveyor. They open and close circuits as fast as snap-acting switches, but they have a bigger actuator for large objects.
Rated IP67, these switches seal out water if they’re washed down or briefly submersed.
Styles B and C have a roller lever actuator that allows parts to glide across the actuation surface with minimal friction. Style C have an actuator that allows you to adjust its height, making it easier to align the switch with the target during installation.
Housing | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Conduit Thread Size | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| A | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 2.5 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 300V AC | -22° to 158° | 1" | Screw Terminals | 4 | 1.2" | 3.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | M20 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| B | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 2.5 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 300V AC | -22° to 158° | 2.4" | Screw Terminals | 4 | 1.2" | 3.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | M20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| C | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 2.5 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 300V AC | -22° to 158° | 2.1"-3.9" | Screw Terminals | 4 | 1.2" | 3.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | M20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Ultra-Miniature Snap-Acting Switches
Trigger actions in devices as small as phones and drones. The smallest snap-acting switches we offer, these switches fit into the tiniest of spaces and help keep weight to a minimum. Because snap-acting switches open and close circuits faster than other switches—reducing the time that contacts are near one another—they prevent contacts from sticking. They also minimize the chance of arcing, so electricity won’t jump across contacts.
Plunger actuator switches send a signal when the actuator is pushed directly downward. They have a small footprint, reducing the risk of accidental switching.
Housing | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Environmental Rating | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Solder Pin Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 5 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.07" | 4 | 0.7" | 0.37" | 0.2" | IP40 | 1 | 0000000 | 000000 |
With Tab Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 5 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.06" | 4 | 0.7" | 0.37" | 0.2" | IP40 | 1 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Frame-Mounted Safety Switches
Also known as interlock switches, these ensure the safety of personnel by automatically shutting off power to machinery when an access door opens. Mount the switch to the door frame and mount a key to the door so that the key is inserted into the switch when the door is closed. When the door opens, the key is removed from the switch and the machine shuts down. They’re often used with machine guards for large robots.
All switches require an actuator key, but not all include one—check whether you need to pick out a separate actuator key. For some switch styles, you can also select the mounting orientation of the key. Flexible keys pivot at least 15°, making them easier to align with switches during installation.
Style A-G switches have positive-force, normally closed contacts that will open a circuit when the switch is actuated even if a spring fails or the contacts stick.
IP67 rated switches protect against temporary submersion. NEMA 4 rated switches protect against washdowns. NEMA 6 rated switches protect against both temporary submersion and washdowns.
Housing | Conduit | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Trade Size | Thread Size | Thread Type | Key Included | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Wire Lead Connection with Positive-Force Normally Closed Contacts | |||||||||||||||||
| A | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 2 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 8 A @ 120 V AC, 4 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC 24V DC | 3.3" | 1.2" | 1.2" | __ | M16 | Metric | Yes | IP67 | 00000000 | 0000000 |
Screw Terminal Connection with Positive-Force Normally Closed Contacts | |||||||||||||||||
| B | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 5 A @ 120 V AC, 2 A @ 24 V DC | 500V AC 250V DC | 3" | 1" | 1.1" | 1/2 | __ | NPT | Yes | IP67, NEMA 6 | 00000000 | 000000 |
| C | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 10 A @ 120 V AC, 2 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC 24V DC | 3.6" | 2.1" | 1.3" | 1/2 | __ | NPT | Yes | IP65, NEMA 4 | 00000000 | 000000 |
| E | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 8 A @ 230 V AC, 5 A @ 24 V DC | 400V AC 24V DC | 4.2" | 2" | 1.6" | __ | M20 | Metric | No | IP67 | 00000000 | 00000 |
| F | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | __ | M20 | Metric | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| F | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | 1/2 | __ | BSPP | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| F | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | 1/2 | __ | NPT | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 000000 |
